But the prodigal son U-turned his decision only six weeks later to appear in Argentina's World Cup qualifiers.

And despite spending weeks at a time with the star, Bauza confessed that he's still surprised by Messi.

Fans were overcome with joy with Messi's return (Image: AFP)

He said: "(Lionel) Messi surprises you in every training session, in every game. He's a player that breaks any rival team, he's always doing things, and his impact on the game depends on the rival he gets.

"If you put three players in front of him, he does something to shake them off. If he has four or one, he does the same. That's why we are so lucky to have him on our side."

Argentina's boss admitted that it is difficult to coach someone so good.

All smiles: Leo Messi back with Argentina (Image: AFP/Getty)

He added: "My challenge as his coach is to build the team around him so he gets the chances he needs to break the opposition, as we were talking about, in favour of the team.

"What we tell him is where he'll play, where the more convenient areas are for him and which moves he should make for his team mates to create those areas. Everything helps, not to improve Messi, but to improve his performance in the game."